asked the Minister for Justice if it is in accordance with Garda regulations that juveniles may be questioned without his/her parents being notified or being present during the questioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Detailed provisions governing the questioning of arrested persons under the age of 17 years are set out in Regulation 13 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations 1987, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. In brief, that regulation provides that a parent or guardian must be present where such persons are being questioned, save in certain specified circumstances.